WorkSafe says the workers received multiple injuries after a felled tree rolled down a slope and struck them. Two people were taken by ambulance to hospital, and the third was airlifted to Kelowna General Hospital after being retrieved by Vernon Search and Rescue.

According to the inspection report, released April 24, the worker conducting the falling operation had not received acceptable training, and was not certified in writing as a competent faller.

The report also noted two employees were within the active falling area when neither had any duties associated with the operation, which contravenes safety regulations.

In a visit to the scene, WorkSafe also observed the tree was felled where it could strike a stationary, or running line of operational equipment. The tree in fact hit the stationary slack skyline (a cable used to a suspend a carriage for hauling logs) during the incident. The report also states there was inadequate holding wood being maintained on the trees while they were being felled.

Peto Contracting must provide a notice of compliance detailing what will be done to comply with the regulations which were broken by May 15. Until the notice is submitted, the company cannot run its cable yarder operation.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infonews.ca or call 250-309-5230. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.

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